The “ravishing” yet “fatal” cries of the ever mysterious Sirens are described by Margaret Atwood and Homer in strikingly conflicting ways. Homer’s description of the Sirens portrays them as mystical, yet fatal creatures, while Atwood insightfully depicts the same Sirens as bored yet deceitful human-like seductresses. Homer and Atwood make use of intense tones, powerful points of view, and bold diction to show the contrast in the two portrayals. With great intensity in their tones, Homer and Atwood make the stark contrast betwixt their portrayals of the Sirens evident, leaving few similarities afoot. For example, Homer sets a tone of urgency as Odysseus’ crew “rac[es] past” the Sirens and then proceeded, “fl[inging] themselves at the oars and row[ing] harder” (lines 13 and 22). This tone illustrates the danger the Sirens pose to passing ships and their crews. However, as Odysseus and his crew “removed the wax ... and loosed the bonds that lashed [Odysseus]” after escaping the “high, thrilling song” of the Sirens, Homer demonstrates that the Sirens are not omnipotent (lines 27-28). Despite the fact that Odysseus is bound to the ship, his willpower illustrates that a strong leader can overcome the treacherous waters of the Sirens. The lack of almighty potency with which the Sirens attempt to lure the ship depicts them as pathetic creatures. Contrastingly, Atwood uses a slow seductive tone to show the enchanting nature of the Sirens. However, Atwood similarly creates a pitiful tone as she describes how the Sirens “don’t enjoy singing” their “boring song” or the island at all, as they “cry for help” (lines 17, 13, 26). The pitiful tone that Atwood set is strikingly similar to the tone Homer sets in his description. This portrayal of the Sirens, while not overbearingly similar, both illustrate limpness in the power of the mythical seductresses. Another example is Atwood’s tone of intimacy, as set through the repetition in verses such as, “to you, to you, only to you” and “only you, only you can, you are unique’ (lines 19-20 and 23-24). In insisting on the special nature of their next victim, the Sirens intensify the feeling of intimacy. This intimacy, while seductive, is obviously a falsity, naming the Sirens deceitful. Likewise, the Sirens call Odysseus by his name, crying, “Come closer, famous Odysseus” as he passes by (line 14). The Sirens create an intimate tone through directly addressing Odysseus, though they likely could not care less who Odysseus is. This false intimacy, again, builds the Sirens up to appear deceitful. As Homer and Atwood describe the Sirens, the tones each use build similar, yet contrasting portrayals of the classic mythical creatures. Although Homer and Atwood both make use of the first person point of view, their speakers contrast greatly to demonstrate the contrasting portrayals of the Sirens.
…show more content…
For example, Atwood chose to write “Siren Song” from a Siren’s point of view. This insight aids Atwood in portraying the Sirens as bored victims of circumstance, yet simultaneously devious. Direct insight into the Siren’s minds allows for readers to see the boredom with which the Sirens sing their monotonous song. As the Sirens repeat that they “don’t enjoy it [on the island]” nor do they enjoy singing, they display sheer boredom, going as far as to describe their own song as “a boring song” (lines 13, 17, 26). Likewise, as the Siren “[cries] for help” getting off the island and away from “[those] two feathery maniacs” that are her fellow Sirens she portrays herself as a miserable victim of unfortunate circumstance. Contrastingly, Homer wrote from the point of view of the great epic hero, Odysseus, whose outside point of view portrays the Sirens as similarly devious and powerful seductresses. Homer’s version of the Siren’s song fails to show their lack of contentment with their circumstances that Atwood’s portrayal depicts. Though both works are written in the first person, their opposite points of view allow for varying portrayals. Bold diction is a key tool both Homer and Atwood use in the portrayal of the Sirens to distinguish characteristics between the two. For example, Homer describes the Siren’s voices as “ravishing” and “thrilling” (lines 13 and 19). Homer’s positive diction portrays the
For example, Atwood chose to write “Siren Song” from a Siren’s point of view. This insight aids Atwood in portraying the Sirens as bored victims of circumstance, yet simultaneously devious. Direct insight into the Siren’s minds allows for readers to see the boredom with which the Sirens sing their monotonous song. As the Sirens repeat that they “don’t enjoy it [on the island]” nor do they enjoy singing, they display sheer boredom, going as far as to describe their own song as “a boring song” (lines 13, 17, 26). Likewise, as the Siren “[cries] for help” getting off the island and away from “[those] two feathery maniacs” that are her fellow Sirens she portrays herself as a miserable victim of unfortunate circumstance. Contrastingly, Homer wrote from the point of view of the great epic hero, Odysseus, whose outside point of view portrays the Sirens as similarly devious and powerful seductresses. Homer’s version of the Siren’s song fails to show their lack of contentment with their circumstances that Atwood’s portrayal depicts. Though both works are written in the first person, their opposite points of view allow for varying portrayals. Bold diction is a key tool both Homer and Atwood use in the portrayal of the Sirens to distinguish characteristics between the two. For example, Homer describes the Siren’s voices as “ravishing” and “thrilling” (lines 13 and 19). Homer’s positive diction portrays the